A bill to to decriminalise abortion and replace a 116-year-old law was put to the vote on 11 May in the New South Wales Legislative Council, tabled by Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi. But the Abortion Law Reform Bill was defeated 25 to 14 in a “conscience” vote that saw all Government members voting against. Members of the packed public gallery shouted “shame” as the result was announced. The bill was backed by doctors, lawyers, teachers, … Continued

‘500 women die from abortion every year.’ Perhaps such should be the news headlines to make Namibians understand we have a crisis, and all because of a lack of empathy. The Namibian reported that Health Minister Bernard Haufiku tried to highlight the magnitude of the problem of unsafe abortion when he announced that more than 7,300 women had been treated at public health centres in 2016 due to complications of illegal abortions. In fact, he … Continued

In 2016, Belgian politicians will (perhaps) finally decriminalise abortion in Belgium. Muriel Gerkens, member of the Ecolo (Green) Party, has tabled a bill to remove abortion from the Penal Code so that it is no longer regarded as a criminal offence.

The UN Human Rights Committee has released a report slamming the state of abortion rights in Argentina and criticizing President Mauricio Macri’s decision to strike down key articles of the Broadcast Media Law and its subsequent effects on freedom of expression on 15 July.